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Airline Guide

Korean Air

Last verified 2026-06Request a Quote
In-cabin allowedCargo available

In-Cabin

Max weight (pet + carrier): 15 lbs

Max carrier dimensions: 45 × 35 × 20 cm

In-cabin fee: $150 USD

Cargo

Korean Air Cargo accepts live animals on most routes via Seoul Incheon (ICN). In-cargo: 60,000–600,000 KRW depending on weight and route. In-cabin: 30,000 KRW domestic (~$22 USD), 150,000–300,000 KRW international (~$110–$220 USD). Pricing subject to KRW exchange rate.

Route Restrictions

In-cabin on Korean Air-operated routes for pets ≤7 kg combined. Maximum 1 in-cabin + 2 cargo per passenger. Cargo available on Korean Air's global network from Incheon hub.

Breed Restrictions

  • Brachycephalic breeds (Pug, Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and others) — restricted from cargo hold
  • Dangerous breeds (pit bull types, Rottweiler) may be refused

Paws en route Notes

Korean Air allows both in-cabin and cargo on the same booking, making it versatile for multi-pet households. Seoul Incheon (ICN) is a well-run transit hub for Asian cargo. In-cabin fee shown ($150) is approximate USD for international routes; verify current KRW rates.

Done-for-You Service

Korean Air's breed rules can disqualify your pet at the gate.

Our IPATA-certified team checks your exact breed against Korean Air's current restrictions, confirms cargo route eligibility, and handles the booking so nothing falls through.

Get a Korean Air relocation quote

In-Cabin Carriers

Korean Air Approved In-Cabin Pet Carriers

To fly in-cabin with Korean Air, your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 45 × 35 × 20 cm. We stock carriers sized to fit — send us a note and we'll pair you with the right one.

Recommended: Low-Profile Carrier

Airline Approved Soft-Sided Low-Profile Carrier

Sized for Korean Air's 20 cm height limit — fits flush under the seat without compression.

  • Leak-proof bottom
  • Ventilation on 3+ sides
  • Soft-sided to compress under seat

Cargo Kennels

Korean Air Approved Cargo Crates & Travel Kennels

For pets traveling in the hold, Korean Air enforces strict IATA CR-82 regulations. Wire crates and soft-sided bags are prohibited in the cargo hold. We source and size IATA-compliant kennels for your pet — send us a note to get started.

Recommended: IATA-Compliant Hard Kennel

IATA CR-82 Hard-Sided Travel Kennel

  • Rigid plastic or fiberglass construction
  • Metal nuts and bolts (no plastic snap clips)
  • Single-piece, spring-loaded metal door
  • Sized for pet to stand, turn, and lie down naturally

Book with this airline?

We verify Korean Air's policy before every booking.

Policies change. We call the airline, confirm your breed is cleared, and lock in the pet booking — not just the human seat.

Plan your flight

Common Questions

Korean Air pet travel — frequently asked

Does Korean Air allow pets in the cabin?

Yes, Korean Air allows small pets in-cabin on select routes. The combined pet and carrier weight must not exceed 15 lbs, and a per-trip fee of $150 USD applies. Always confirm eligibility on your specific route when booking.

Are there breed restrictions on Korean Air?

Yes, Korean Air restricts certain breeds including Brachycephalic breeds (Pug, Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and others) — restricted from cargo hold and Dangerous breeds (pit bull types, Rottweiler) may be refused. Brachycephalic (flat-nosed) dogs and cats are most commonly affected. Contact our team for a breed-specific eligibility check before booking.

Does Korean Air have a summer cargo embargo for pets?

No summer cargo embargo is listed for Korean Air. Temperature-based restrictions may still apply on specific routes — always verify at the time of booking.

Popular Destinations

Pet import requirements by country

Each destination has its own import rules, microchip standards, and quarantine requirements. Check the guides below before you book.

Paws en route tarjoaa asiantuntevia lemmikkimatka- ja muuttopalveluita maailmanlaajuisesti. IATA-sertifioidut asiantuntijamme koordinoivat kansainvälisiä lemmikkikuljetuksia, koirien kuljetusta ja kissojen kuljetusta yli 150 kohteeseen – hoitaen eläinlääkinnälliset vaatimukset, tulliselvitykset ja ovelta ovelle -palvelun kaikkialla maailmassa.

IPATA — The Pet Shipping Experts